Commercial Space News

Ars TechnicaScott K. Johnson

SpaceX’s orbital data centers could create a new category of e-waste

SpaceX’s proposed orbital data centers would place large-scale computing hardware in space, creating a new end-of-life challenge for electronic equipment beyond Earth. The concept resembles asteroid mining in reverse: instead of extracting material from orbit, operators could leave behind increasingly difficult-to-manage e-waste.

2026-08-20T07:05:16.545627-07:00

Commercial Space

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SpaceX’s orbital data centers could create a new category of e-waste

SpaceX’s proposed orbital data centers would place large-scale computing hardware in space, creating a new end-of-life challenge for electronic equipment beyond Earth. The concept resembles asteroid mining in reverse: instead of extracting material from orbit, operators could leave behind increasingly difficult-to-manage e-waste.

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Payload

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Portal Books Dedicated Falcon 9 Amid Constrained Launch Market

Portal is expected to occupy roughly half of a dedicated Falcon 9 fairing for its spacecraft, while working with launch integrator Maverick Space Systems to market the remaining capacity to rideshare customers as launch availability tightens and market conditions remain volatile.

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NASA Spaceflight

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Stoke Space advances Nova toward potential 2026 debut with vehicle mating and engine completion

Stoke Space has completed first-stage engines and conducted second-stage fit checks for Nova, its fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle. The milestones, including vehicle mating, mark further progress toward the startup’s potential 2026 maiden launch as attention remains focused on SpaceX’s Starship program.

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New York Times

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NASA and Katalyst Space Cancel LINK Mission to Reboost Swift Gamma-Ray Observatory

NASA and Katalyst Space have abandoned an attempt to dock with and raise the orbit of the aging Swift observatory after persistent attitude-control problems disabled the LINK servicing spacecraft. The decision ends a low-cost effort to extend Swift’s operational life and preserve its gamma-ray science mission.

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SpaceNews.com

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Katalyst Space rescue mission fails, leaving NASA’s Swift observatory on course for reentry

NASA and Katalyst Space have called off an experimental mission to boost the aging Swift gamma-ray observatory after the recently launched servicing spacecraft suffered irredeemable technical problems in orbit. Without the rescue, Swift is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere later this year, ending an effort to extend its operational life.

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